Three-time Geelong premiership player Steve Johnson has provided his advice for new Essendon forward Jake Stringer, saying he needs to set a standard with his training approach.
After an ugly break-up with the Western Bulldogs, which involved off-field issues and a lack of total commitment, Stringer will look to rebuild his image with the Bombers. Johnson, who had to do a similar exercise in 2007 when he returned from a five-game suspension for public drunkenness to make the All-Australian team, win the Norm Smith Medal and be a premiership player, believes Stringer has a blank canvas to change his reputation.
“He just needs to get in there and try to earn the respect of his new teammates,” the two-time Cats leading goal kicker told SEN Breakfast.
“That’s the best thing you can do. The thing for him is the slate is clean. There aren’t too many pre-conceived ideas about him.
“Everyone will be watching him in the first week or two, going what is he actually like? He has a chance to go in there and start training really hard and then it’s funny how quickly things can change.”
Essendon traded picks 25 and 30 for Stringer in last month’s trade period, completing a bumper list revamp for John Worsfold’s side. They also brought in Adam Saad from Gold Coast and Devon Smith from Greater Western Sydney.
Stringer has played 89 games and kicked 160 goals since being drafted in 2012 with pick number five. The 23-year-old appeared in 16 matches in 2017, kicking 24 majors and averaging 12.4 disposals.